Northwest Field Notes, Annotated / 1949-1960
1954
the end of September; Snow Geese reached 11,500 by
November 1 and Whistling Swans were recorded at a
top of 9,500 on Nov. 18. These reports come from
Vanez Wilson who heads the men at Bear River. He
has a warm welcome for visiting bird watchers. The
Nampa, Idaho, Bird Club reported a high of 5,000
Canada Geese on Nov. 11 and 160,000 Mallards were
reported on the same date at Lake Lovell in the Flat
Game Refuge area in Western Idaho. A female
Harlequin Duck with 3 young found on the
Dinwoody River at about 10,000 ft., 3 miles below the
glacier in the Bridger Wilderness area of the Wind
River Mountains of Wyoming on Aug. 29 (OKS).
Autumn Migration, 1953
PALOUSE–NORTHERN ROCKY MOUNTAIN
REGION [No Regional report received from this region]
GREAT
BASIN,
CENTRAL
ROCKY
MOUNTAIN REGION.—This is the great lands "in
between." This Region is the largest in the United
States with the smallest number of observers, the
greatest concentration of large waterfowl; and must
depend on federal employees for information.
Herons, Shorebirds and Gulls.—Near Salt City at Black
Hawk Gun Club one Long-billed Curlew was seen by
Evans on Sept. 14, a late date;
Audubon Field Notes, Volume 8, Number 1 32
on the same day he also observed 2,000 Lesser
Yellowlegs, 2 immature Little Blue Herons, and 2 dead
Golden Plover. Lockerbie reported an immature
Sabine's Gull on Oct. 8 near Salt Lake City, which is
the third Utah record.
The weather was unusually dry and warm this fall.
Precipitation averaged one-half normal in a Region that
is all semi-arid except for the tops of mountain ranges.
This means almost no precipitation over much of the
Region. An exception was Durango in southeastern
Colorado where the rainfall was normal. In general, the
migration was much later than usual with many very
late dates.
Hawks.—A few notes of interest. Two Pigeon Hawks,
Nampa Bird Club, Oct. 31; one at Salt Lake City, Nov.
11 (Lockerbie). A Peregrine Falcon was at Casper,
Wyo. Sept. 20 (OKS). Large buteos and eagles were not
reported in any numbers, giving credence to the feeling
that these species are on a steady decline due probably
to promiscuous shooting. The birds are not protected
in the western states and their food (rabbits and small
rodents) is increasing in spite of considerable expense
and effort to the contrary. Killpack reported about the
same numbers of wintering Rough-legged Hawks as
usual at Roosevelt, Utah.
Waterfowl and Pelicans.—Carl Jepson, the able naturalist
of the Grand Teton National Park reports on the
Trumpeter Swan nesting in the Elk Refuge in Jackson
Hole near Jackson, Wyo. Incidentally, this is the easiest
place in the United States to see these spectacular birds,
as they can be nicely observed from the highway. In
1951 a pair started breeding there. They raised 2
cygnets. In 1952 photographers upset the apple cart at
the wrong time and no young were raised from the 5
eggs, although 3 were fertile. This year 4 cygnets were
reared successfully, the best record yet, to add to the
steadily increasing numbers of this still very rare bird. A
contender for the honor of the finest large waterfowl
refuge in the United States is the great Bear River
Refuge near Brigham, Utah, at the upper end of the
Great Salt Lake. Its best competitors, the Klamath
Basin and the Malheur Refuge, are also within this
Region; but, alas, no reports from them. At Bear River
the migration compared favorably with that of last year.
The high count was 10,000 White Pelicans on August
30. Mid-September saw the high in Pintails at 400,000.
Green-winged Teal concentrations reached 300,000 by
Owls.—Jepson reported that the Great Gray Owls
continue to live near his home at Park Headquarters at
Jackson Hole, Moose, Wyo. and are seen very
frequently; they are noisiest in September.
Goatsuckers through Starlings.—A Poor-will has taken up
residence at the home of T. A. Dewey in Salt Lake City
as of Oct. 23. A Winter Wren was found at Grantsville,
Utah, Oct. 14, by Lockerbie and another at Casper,
Wyo. on Nov. 26 (OKS). Cañon Wrens were still
present at Arches National Monument, Oct. 17
(Lockerbie). A late Hermit Thrush, Oct. 11, at Salt
Lake City was found by Lockerbie, and one was at
Casper, Wyo. the same date (OKS). Thompson saw
10,000 Mountain Bluebirds and 40,000 Am. Pipits near
Gunnison, Utah on Oct. 12. The Common Starling is a
fall and winter visitor in eastern Utah (Killpack at
1
Northwest Field Notes, Annotated / 1949-1960
Roosevelt) and western Colorado (Carman at Grand
Junction).
Loons, Grebes.—Common Loons came to the Blaine,
Wash. area, Sept. 5, and the Red-throated, Sept. 10
(Lucile H. Kline). Arctic Loons (5) were at Victoria, B.
C., Oct. 20 (C. J. Guiguet). Two in summer plumage
were seen at Kingston, Kitsap Co., Wash., Oct. 11
(Zella M. Schultz). Red-necked Grebes came to
Victoria and to Birch Bay, near Blaine, Aug. 23
(numerous at Blaine, Sept. 10). Horned Grebes came to
Bellingham Bay, Wash., Aug. 27 (Edward Hansen &
Chris Nelson), and to Blaine, Aug. 31 (LHK). Eared
Grebes, never common on Puget Sound, were
identified at Kingston, Seattle, and on Lake
Washington (ZMS). Western Grebes were first seen at
Victoria, Aug. 15, with about 400 on Sept. 14 (ARD).
They arrived at Blaine, Aug. 31, and increased to 450±
by Oct. 12. More than 600 were around Eliza Island,
off Bellingham Bay from Oct. 31 to the end of the
period (EH, CN).
Warblers.—An Am. Redstart at Salt Lake City, Oct. 11
(Lockerbie), is the first report of this species in this area
for 7 years. An Oven-bird was found in South Willow
Canyon, Stansbury Range in arid western Utah on Oct.
14 (Lockerbie). On Oct. 24, in Salt Lake City, Guy
Emerson and Lockerbie found a Black-throated Blue
Warbler, hardly a western species of bird. The Blackcapped and Virginia's Warblers were down in numbers
in Durango where they are normally common, but
Oppie Reames found her first Yellow-breasted Chat in
13 years. The chat is a common breeding bird over
much of the rest of this Region, however. In general
the warbler migration was late and did not reach a peak
until Sept. 21 in Durango (Reames).
Grosbeaks and Sparrows.—Grand Junction (Edith
Carman) was one of the few places reporting Evening
Grosbeaks in normal numbers. They have been
diminished to absent over much of the Region where
they are normally seen at lower altitudes in the fall. The
Nampa Bird Club (H. E. Shaw) had 700 Whitecrowned Sparrows on Nov. 26. A bird call has been
very successfully used by this group with these
sparrows.
Floyd
Thompson
reported
large
concentrations of Sage and Vesper Sparrows at Cedar
City in Southern Utah, Sept. 13. On Oct. 22 he had 6
McCown's Longspur west of Ogden, Utah.—DR.
OLIVER K. SCOTT, 437 East 13th St., Casper, Wyo.
Pelicans through Herons.—A White Pelican at Blaine,
Sept. 25, was rare (LHK). Pelagic Cormorants were
numerous around Victoria, Oct. 1; Double-crested
were reported, Nov. 1, but no Brandt's had been seen
for months (CJG). The Double-crested came to Blaine,
Nov. 13 (LHK), and to Bellevue, Wash., Nov. 21
(Walter M. Hagenstein). An (Anthony's) Green
Heron was seen near Bellevue, Oct. 4 (WMH), and
again, Oct. 19 (Vivian Thorne).
Swans and Geese.—Whistling Swans (17) were in Comox
Bay, B. C. in mid-November (Theed Pearse); 24 passed
over Victoria, Oct. 30 (ARD). They were at Blaine (6),
Nov. 13, and 16 flew over Bellevue, Nov. 16 (W. H.
Ransom). Canada Geese were few at Comox; Whitefronted passed through in average numbers in October.
Canada and White-fronted Geese were seen in flight
east of Victoria the last week in August (CJG). The first
Canadas (16) came to Blaine, Oct. 10; the last (about
250) were seen, Oct. 29. Four were at Bellevue, Sept.
16 (WMH); 16 on Oct. 19 (VT), and 7 on Nov. 30. A
flight over Seattle was noted, Nov. 1 (Violet E.
Cannon). White-fronts (6) were at Bellevue, Oct. 18.
Considerable numbers of (Cackling) Canada Geese
(uncommon) came to the Skagit River flats, Oct. 30,
ahead of a storm (Maury Rider). Six Cacklers were shot
on Chain Island, off SE Vancouver Island, the first day
of hunting. The only report of Black Brant was from
Blaine, where 8 were seen, Sept. 10. Many Snow Geese
were reported for various places near Comox. Stormy
weather may have driven them in, as they are seldom
seen except in flight. Fifteen were there, Nov. 30 (TP).
Snow Geese (about 250) were at Blaine, Oct. 22. The
first flight over Seattle was reported on Oct. 18 (an
estimated 150). One adult and 12 immatures were at
Bellevue, Oct. 19—Nov. 25.
Autumn Migration, 1953
NORTH PACIFIC COAST REGION.—August
and September were generally warmer and drier than
normal, but much overcast, with heavy rain the last
four days of September. October and November were
warm, but wetter than normal, with some high winds.
2
Northwest Field Notes, Annotated / 1949-1960
Ducks.—There was a big concentration of ducks at
Comox in mid-October, which tapered off at the end
of the period. A field of grain, blown down in August,
may have been an attraction. Am. Widgeon were in
large numbers, but Pintail were in the majority. Am.
Widgeon are now more numerous at Comox in early
autumn than are Mallards. Several large flocks of
Mallards, Am. Widgeon and Pintail went through the
Victoria area daily from Aug. 15 to 31 (CJG). In the
Nanaimo, B. C. area, Nov. 7 to 8, continual flights of
Mallards were seen, with a few Pintail and Am.
Widgeon (CJG). Am. Widgeon were seen at Copalis
Beach, Wash., Sept. 8 (ZMS). At Blaine, Aug. 28, about
300 Pintails were seen, Oct. 20. A big flock of Pintails
was seen on tide-flats near Anacortes, Wash., Sept. 11
(VT). Ransom thought ducks were about one-third as
numerous at the mouth of the Snohomish River, Oct.
17, as in 1952, with Mallards more common, but Am.
Widgeon less so. The first Gadwalls reached Seattle,
Aug. 30 (ZMS). Shovellers arrived at Victoria, Aug. 18,
and at Seattle, Oct. 3. Ring-necked Ducks (20 imm.),
and Am. Golden-eyes were seen at Blaine, Sept. 10.
Two Lesser Scaup (uncommon) were shot at Comox.
Both species of golden-eyes were about normal. Scaup
began appearing in numbers Victoria, Oct. 1; Am.
Golden-eyes were not seen until Nov. 1 (CJG). Greater
Scaup came to Blaine Oct. 28. At Harper, Kitsap Co.,
Wash., 14 were in eclipse plumage, Sept. 27 (ZMS).
Buffleheads arrived at Victoria, Oct. 23 (ARD); were in
numbers, Nov. 1 (CJG). Old-squaws came in, Oct. 20.
The first Buffleheads were at Blaine, Oct. 31. Harlequin
Ducks were numerous, and moulting at Victoria July 1.
Males were flightless from Aug. 15 to 31, but were in
full plumage, Nov. 1. Nearly 2,000 scoters were off
Denman Island Spit, SE of Comox, Aug. 8, an
assembling place for moulting White-winged males.
Surf and White-winged Scoters were numerous off SE
Vancouver Island, Oct. 1. The first Hooded
Mergansers were seen at Victoria, Sept. 1; and Bellevue,
Oct. 3. Red-breasted Mergansers were noted at Blaine,
Sept. 25, and at Victoria, Oct. 3. Over 50 Am.
Mergansers were seen at Kingston, Wash., Oct. 11
(ZMS).
Grouse, Cranes.—Blue Grouse took a beating from
hunters at Comox, B. C.; over 5,000 were shot. Ruffed
Grouse seemed to be on the increase, however. Pearse
saw 3 Sandhill Cranes. Others were reported, with an
estimated 35 at Northey Lake (Heinrich fide Pearse).
Shorebirds.—The migration at Comox was normal for
the common species. There were possibly more Blackbellied Plover, Sanderlings and Lesser Yellowlegs.
Dowitchers were scarce early in the season, but
remained unusually long. Two Dowitchers shot in
November for snipe were of the race scolopaceus,
according to H. M. Laing (TP). Two Snowy Plover
were collected at Copalis Beach, Sept. 9 (ZMS). At
Victoria, the migration seemed to be in full swing
earlier than usual. Birds returned in July and the first
part of August: July 16, one Ringed Plover, hundreds of
Northern Phalaropes, Western and Least Sandpipers,
Long-billed Dowitchers, Greater Yellowlegs (most on
July 28); Black Turnstones, Wandering Tattlers and
Surf-birds, July 14; Spotted Sandpipers, July 27;
Sanderling, Aug. 8; Ruddy Turn-stones, Aug. 10; one
Baird's Sandpiper, Aug. 14; one Pectoral, Sept. 1 (only
one seen); Red-backed, Oct. 9; Rock, Nov. 4, and
Black-bellied Plover, Nov. 29 (ARD, CJG, J. O. Clay).
At Blaine, Wash., the peak for Greater and Lesser
Yellow-legs and Least Sandpipers was Aug. 30; for
Western Sandpipers, Sept. 10; Black Turnstones, Oct.
29; and Red-backed Sandpipers (500±), Oct. 28. Surfbirds and Black Turnstones were seen at Viti Rocks, off
Bellingham Bay, July 22, and at nearby Eliza Island,
Wash., Baird's Sandpipers (rare migrant) were seen (2
to 3 daily) from Aug. 5 to 14 (R. E. Phillips).
Dowitchers (6) and Least Sandpipers (3) were seen
Union Bay marsh, Lake Washington, July 11 (ZMS).
Lesser Yellow-legs were at Seattle, Aug. 15 to Oct. 9;
Pectoral Sandpipers, Aug. 30; Greater Yellow-legs and
Northern Phalaropes left, Sept. 26; Sanderlings were
still present, Nov. 30 (VEC, RMB). At Copalis Beach,
Wash., Sept. 8 to 10, there were Red-backed Sandpiper
(early), several Baird's, several flocks (20 to 30) of
Semipalmated, and a flock of 200 to 300 Black-bellied
Plovers (ZMS). Phillips had a good look at a Red Knot
(rare migrant) at Newport, Ore., Sept. 27, among a
large flock of Sanderlings.
Vultures and Hawks.—Turkey Vultures (5) were seen at
Victoria, B. C., Sept. 22 (ARD). They were last seen at
Bellingham Bay, Wash., Oct. 21 (EH, CN). What
passes for a migration of hawks on the west coast
occurred at Victoria, Sept. 15 to 31; mainly Sharpshinned, but many reports of single Goshawks, Redtailed, and Cooper's, with 3 Marsh,
Jaegers, Gulls and Terns.—Parasitic Jaegers (15 to 20)
were north of Victoria, Oct. 20; 3 adults and 1 “juv."
were collected (CJG). Three were at Eliza Island, where
they are uncommon, Oct. 26. An uncommon
Pomarine Jaeger was seen at Harper, Kit-sap Co.,
Wash., Sept. 27 (ZMS): Young gulls of all species were
few at Comox. First year Bonaparte's appeared, Aug. 6.
There was a late migration in mid-November. Of 125
counted passing in small lots, only 2 were young birds
(TP). Bonaparte's Gulls were at Blaine in numbers,
Aug. 30. They were first at Seattle, Sept. 5 (RMB).
Audubon Field Notes, Volume 8, Number 1 36
6 Pigeon, and one Peregrine. There is no marked
movement of hawks, such as on the east coast.
3
Northwest Field Notes, Annotated / 1949-1960
Young Glaucous-winged Gulls were at Victoria in
numbers, Aug. 15; many birds banded in summer on
the Channel Islands were seen on the waterfront.
Glaucous-winged, Short-billed and Bonaparte's Gulls
were numerous off SE Vancouver Island, Oct. 1, and
15 Heermann's Gulls were counted (CJG). Short-billed
Gulls (24) came to Blaine, Nov. 17. One immature
Ring-billed Gull was seen on San Juan Island, Wash.,
July 25 (early) (ZMS). About 30 Heermann's Gulls were
seen at Whidbey Island, Sept. 11 (VT). Common Terns
(200±) were at Birch Bay, Aug. 23 (ZMS) to Oct. 2 (6)
(LHK). They were first seen at Seattle (4), Sept. 1
(RMB).
22. The last Barn Swallow was seen at Victoria, Sept.
24; and at Blaine, Sept. 26 (41 imm. passed through,
Sept. 24). Cliff Swallows left Blaine, Aug. 25, and
Violet-greens, Oct. 2. A large flock of Violet-greens
(100 to 200) were at Harper, Wash., Sept. 27, with a
storm just coming in (ZMS). Rough-winged Swallows
left Bellevue, Aug. 27; Tree, Sept. 16; Violet-green, Oct.
1; Barn, Oct. 4. Purple Martins were last reported
Audubon Field Notes, Volume 8, Number 1 37
at Seattle, Sept. 8 (VEC), and at Bellevue, Sept. 13
(WMH). Guthrie reported a flock of about 30
Common Bushtits at Comox in October (fide Pearse).
The species is apparently moving north on Vancouver
Island, from its invasion focus near Victoria.
Alcids.—Common Murres were plentiful off SE
Vancouver Island, Aug. 15 to 31. Some very small
young seemed to be flightless. Young Marbled
Murrelets and Pigeon Guillemots were numerous, and
a few Rhinoceros Auklets and Tufted Puffins were
seen. By Oct. 1, Common Murres, Marbled Murrelets
and Pigeon Guillemots were less numerous, but still
plentiful. Two Cassin's, one Rhinoceros, and 2 Ancient
Auklets (the latter early) were seen, Nov. 1 to 3, in
heavy westerly winds (CJG). About 300 Common
Murres were at Eliza Island by Aug. 29; 250± was the
peak for Marbled Murrelets on Sept. 5 (REP, EH, CN).
Rhinoceros Auklets seemed to be much more plentiful
than usual on Lower Puget Sound and the Washington
ocean coast the first part of September. In contrast,
there were few Common Murres. Numerous young
Rhinoceros Auklets, and a few Tufted Puffins were
dead and dying on Copalis Beach, Sept. 8 to 10 (ZMS).
Thrushes through Tanagers.—Many Am. Robins were
moving through Seattle and Longview, Wash., during
the last half of November (ZMS, ABL). Olive-backed
Thrushes left Blaine on Sept. 8 and Seattle on Sept. 24.
The peak of migration for Water Pipits at Victoria was
mid-September (in fair numbers); at Blaine, Sept. 27,
and at Seattle, Sept. 21. Solitary and Red-eyed Vireos
moved through the Region the first two weeks in
September; Orange-crowned and Yellow Warblers
dribbled through all during September; Audubon's and
Macgillivray's from mid-August to the first part of
September. Black-throated Grays left Blaine, Aug. 16,
and Seattle, Sept. 24. A Yellow-breasted Chat
(uncommon) was at Blaine, Aug. 28. One was singing
at Bellevue, Sept. 24 (WMH). An adult male and 2
immature Yellow-headed Blackbirds (rare on west
side) were seen near Marietta, Whatcom Co., Wash.,
Aug. 10 (REP). Western Tanagers left Seattle, Sept. 12
(RMB).
Pigeons through Hummingbirds.—Large flocks of Bandtailed Pigeons (over 100) were noted in flight north of
Victoria, Oct. 2 (CJG). They were last seen at Blaine,
Sept. 12. Short-eared Owls, once regular migrants at
Comox, were rare. One was seen, Nov. 15 (Guthrie)
and 3 others reported. The last Common Nighthawks
at Victoria were seen, Sept. 19; they were few again this
year (ARD). They left Blaine, Aug. 16, and Seattle,
Sept. 20. Last Vaux's Swifts were at Victoria, Sept. 8;
Black Swifts were migrating, Sept. 28 (ARD). There
was a migrating group of Vaux's and Black Swifts at
Kingston, Wash., Sept. 24 (VEC). The Vaux's were last
seen at Blaine, Sept. 7. Most Rufous Hummingbirds
left the central part of the Region the last of August; an
occasional bird was seen until October.
Finches and Sparrows.—The last Black-headed Grosbeak
was seen at Blaine, Sept. 2; and at Seattle, Sept. 6. A
flock of 12 House Finches at Seattle, Aug. 30, had no
adult males (ZMS). Very large flocks of Pine Siskins
were reported by most observers. The migration of
sparrows at Comox was very poor; but juncos showed
up well. Savannah Sparrows went through Victoria in
goodly numbers, with the peak in mid-September. The
first northern-breeding Savannahs were at Seattle, Aug.
30 (ZMS). Chipping Sparrows were moving at Victoria,
in company of warblers, Aug. 12, and were last seen at
Seattle, Sept. 6. White-crowned Sparrows left Victoria,
Oct. 10; Blaine, Oct. 21; Seattle, Oct. 11; and
Longview, Oct. 5. Golden-crowned Sparrows passed
through Victoria (over 200), Oct. 11. A fair number
now winter there regularly (ARD). The first Fox
Sparrows came to Victoria, Sept. 8; to Seattle, Sept. 14;
and to Blaine, Oct. 25. The first transient Lincoln's
Sparrows were at Victoria, Sept. 10. They were at
Seattle from Aug. 30 to Sept. 23 (ZMS, VEC); and
Flycatchers, Swallows, Bushtits.—Western Flycatchers and
Western Wood Pewees left Victoria, Sept. 4 (ARD) and
were last seen at Bellevue, Sept. 13 (WMH). Olivesided Flycatchers left Blaine, Aug. 13, and the Traill's,
Oct. 3. The Olive-sided was last seen at Seattle, Sept. 5,
and the Traill's, Sept. 9. All summering swallows left
Comox by the end of August. Most local nesting
Violet-green Swallows had gone from Victoria by Aug.
4
Northwest Field Notes, Annotated / 1949-1960
were noted at Bellevue, Oct. 4 (WMH).-MARTHA R.
FLAHAUT AND ZELLA M. SCHULTZ, Washington
State Museum, University of Washington, Seattle.
higher than usual over the Region. There were up to
95,000 Mallards at Deer Flat Refuge in western Idaho
(Shaw), and 15,000 Canada Geese. At Bear River the
spring buildup had reached over 10,000 for Greenwinged Teal, Pintail, and Mallard by late February. The
wintering period was so short over most of this Region
that it is fair to ask: Did we have any winter? Wintering
Barrow's Golden-eyes were reported from Logan
Canyon in Northern Utah by Stanford and in Jackson
Hole.
The Winter Season, 1953-54
PALOUSE–NORTHERN ROCKY MOUNTAIN
REGION [No Regional report received from this region]
Hawks.—At Bear River they had a count of 82 Golden
Eagles and 12 Bald Eagles feeding on dead carp frozen
in the ice at Christmastime. This completely dwarfs all
other eagle concentrations in the Region. The only
other concentrations of eagles of note were 6 Bald
Eagles in southern Utah near Zion National Park on
Feb. 16 (Leland F. Allen); 7 at Alamosa in southern
Colorado (Armagast) on March 6; and 4 at Durango in
southwestern Colorado (Oppie Reames). Over the
Wyoming Plateau the Golden Eagle is a common bird
but no great concentrations were seen.
The Winter Season, 1953-54
GREAT
BASIN,
CENTRAL
ROCKY
MOUNTAIN REGION.—The mountain region
saluted Charles W. Lockerbie, of Salt Lake City, the
dean of our ornithologists, on his 75th birthday in
January. He continues his active held work unabated.
Klamath Basin, one of the finest ornithological
paradises in our nation, is made up of four refuges—
Upper Klamath, Lower Klamath, Tule Lake, and Clear
Lake. Just to the north lies Klamath Marsh, about the
last of the unspoiled large marshes in this country. It is
in the Klamath Indian Reservation. There is talk of
breaking up these Indian reservations, and if so, we
hope the Klamath Marsh will become another refuge.
There is nothing like it remaining in the West. It is not
a cattail swamp but a great wet meadow teeming with
all manner of waterfowl and marsh birds. Ken McLeod
of Klamath Falls, Ore., leads the local forces to
preserve this area. The Klamath area in general has
been long overlooked by the traveling ornithological
public; it is a candidate for one of the finest places in
the West, and little-known Klamath Marsh is some of
the best of it. More marshlands have recently been
added to upper Klamath Refuge, which should help the
Basin. Our warm, dry fall continued on into the winter
months, and January and February were almost the
driest and warmest on record in many places. March
gave some relief and was the wintriest month in
Wyoming. The weather led to large wintering
populations of waterfowl and many unusual land bird
records. Spring migration started very early. The
migration north started by early February at Bear River
on Great Salt Lake, two weeks ahead of usual.
Owls.—The only Snowy Owl report from this Region
was from Casper in central Wyoming where one was
shot with a bow and arrow in early January. Four
Burrowing Owls were seen by Killpack at Roosevelt in
eastern Utah, March 25.
Phoebes, Larks, Ravens, Nuthatches.—Killpack had a
wintering Say's Phoebe at Roosevelt, Utah, Jan. 16.
Another at Durango, Colo., during January was
reported by Reames. There were large concentrations
of Horned Larks at Bear River Marshes, over 6000 in
January. The Refuge also harbors about 50-75 Ravens
in the winter. The Pygmy Nuthatch was notably more
common in the mountains west of Denver this winter
(D. M. Thatcher).
Waxwings.—The Bohemian Waxwing made one of its
biggest flights into this Region. Salt Lake City had its
greatest numbers ever (Lockerbie). Flocks of up to 500
at Logan in northern Utah were seen by Stanford. The
flights spilled over into the Uinta Basin in eastern Utah
(Killpack) and through western Colorado
Audubon Field Notes, Volume 8, Number 3..261
Waterfowl—At Bear River, Refuge Manager Vanez
Wilson reported that 300 Whistling Swans remained
throughout the winter: Klamath had 6,000. An illness
swept through the swan population in the Klamath
Basin in late February. About 200 birds died of what is
believed to be Coccidiosis. A number were treated at
O'Donahue's "rest home." The Trumpeter Swan was
doing well wintering in Jackson Hole in a warm spring
with a high count of 22 according to Jepson, the
naturalist at Grand Teton National Park. The wintering
number of ducks and geese due to warm weather was
(Carneau) at Grand Junction, where it is a regular
winter visitant. It did not penetrate into southern
Colorado (Mesa Verde, Durango, and Alamosa). The
birds were seen on the Christmas Count West of
Denver but the many active observers have seen none
since. The waxwings reached a peak as usual in early
March in Wyoming (Casper and Sheridan) where they
are irregular winter visitors but this year saw greater
flocks than ever before, 300 at a time. In the Casper
5
Northwest Field Notes, Annotated / 1949-1960
area they eat the native Buffalo berries in the stream
bottomland early in the season and then move into
town and eat man-planted berries—Cottoneasters and
Russian Olives. The Russian Olives last until April and
occur in profusion. The tameness of these northern
visitors and their large flocks make a great impression
on the local residents. In these western towns the
houses are close together and very few birds are seen in
urban areas. As a tribute to the warm winter Cedar
Waxwings were also seen early in the season at Grand
Junction and in Casper on Jan. 1 in mixed flocks with
Bohemians.
the usual precipitation The last half brought the only
snow of the year, which persisted for two weeks, with
alternate thawing and freezing. February was warm and
wet with some high winds. March was warm and dry in
the first half; cool with frost but low humidity in the
last half. Theed Pearse complained of the scarcity of
both land and sea birds around Comox except in the
middle of March, when spawning herring drew a large
concentration of gulls, and a much smaller one of
ducks, estimated at 50,000 at least. Sample counts
showed 90 per cent were adult Glaucous-winged Gulls.
A marked scarcity of dead birds was noted on the
ocean beaches in both February and March, even
Common Murres, usually the most abundant species.
Starlings.—Lockerbie has given a run-down on the
increase of the Common Starling in Utah from first
reports in 1939 to thousands this year. The growth in
these numbers has been echoed by almost every urban
observer we have in Wyoming, western Colorado, and
the rest of Utah.
Loons through Cormorants.—Arctic Loons were seen fairly
frequently at Victoria; an uncommon Red-throated was
seen, Feb. 4 (A. R. Davidson). Five Red-throated were
seen off the north end of Vashon Island, Jan. 3 (Zella
M. Schultz). A Red-necked Grebe east of Corvallis,
Ore., Jan. 17, was unusual at that place (R. E. Phillips).
Horned Grebes (2) were last seen at Blaine, March 2
(Lucile H. Kline). Western Grebes seemed to be fairly
plentiful on Puget Sound and adjoining waters. They
were present in varying numbers in the Seattle area
until the end of the period. They arrive at Victoria in
October and disappear gradually in March; on March
22 only 3 were left (ARD). The last was seen at Blaine,
Feb. 21. At the southern end of Hood Canal, Wash.,
there was a raft of about 200, March 17 (Ruby E.
Egbert). Pelagic Cormorants were beginning to show
white breeding patches at Victoria, Feb. 18 (C. J.
Guiguet).
Pinches and Sparrows.—The western Evening Grosbeak
has been average in numbers in this Region, in the
northern part of which it is a regular winter resident.
The Pine Grosbeak was reported in greater numbers
than usual in the Rockies west of Denver (Thatcher); at
Casper in central Wyoming (OKS); and in Jackson
Hole (Jefferson) in western Wyoming where it is a
regular resident and winter visitor. Don Watson, one of
our better-known mountain ornithologists, is Park
Archaeologist at Mesa Verde in southwestern
Colorado. He makes a stop at Mesa Verde doubly
worthwhile. He reports all three species of rosy finches
present this winter but for a much shorter time than
usual. They were last seen on Jan. 31, two months
ahead of their regular northward movement. This is the
only place in this Region where all three species can be
seen in winter. A number of us feel that Hepburn's
Rosy Finch is not a valid subspecies but merely a
normal variation in the Gray-crowned plumage. The
name ought to be dropped. There has been a
significant invasion of Common Redpolls. Apparently
this northern visitor got only as far as Wyoming in
numbers. All three observers in Wyoming reported
larger flocks than ever before, up to 100 at Casper in
March. A few were reported at Nampa in western
Idaho by Mrs. Shaw. A White-throated Sparrow was
reported at Georgetown west of Denver high in the
mountains on Jan. 2 by the Christmas Count, a
remarkable find.—DR. OLIVER K. SCOTT, 437 East
13th St., Casper, Wyo.
Swans, Geese, Ducks.—Four Whistling Swans flew over
Corvallis, Jan. 23, and were reported wintering at
McMinnville, Oreg., (REP). On a cruise from
Vancouver, B. C., to Queen Charlotte Islands and
return, Jan. 5 to 8, 59 Whistling Swans and 821 Canada
Geese were seen (CJG). A few Black Brant were found
on lower Puget Sound during January and February,
increasing markedly in March, about 400 at Harper,
March 18 (Seattle Audubon Society). They seemed to
remain in the waters off southern British Columbia,
where the migration appeared to be in full swing on
Feb. 20 (CJG). Pearse found them much below normal
at Comox. Snow Geese (1,000±) were at Boundary Bay
and the mouth of the Fraser River, B. C., Jan. 5 (CJG).
An estimated 30,000 were on Skagit River flats, Feb. 21
(Seattle Audubon Society). Common Mallard (2,800±)
were at the mouth of the Fraser River, Jan. 5 (CJG);
over 100 were counted at Comox the last of March
(Theed Pearse). A count of approximately 20,000
waterfowl off Boundary Bay, Jan. 5, included Mallards
mentioned, plus 732 Pintails, 1,000 Am. Widgeon, 565
Greater Scaup, 50 Buffleheads, 38 Old-squaws, 4 Am.
Golden-eyes, 470 scoters and 11,000 unidentified as to
The Winter Season, 1953-54
NORTH PACIFIC COAST REGION.—December
was moderately warm and dry with some high winds
The first part of January was mild, but with more than
6
Northwest Field Notes, Annotated / 1949-1960
species. In addition to the geese and swans mentioned,
726 Mallards, 120 Am. Widgeon, 40 Buffleheads, 46
Greater Scaup, 432 Am. Golden-eyes, 4,223 scoters
and 1,200 Old-squaws were counted on a round trip to
the Queen Charlotte Islands (CJG). A few Pintails were
still at Blaine, March 22; the only Green-winged Teal
seen was on Feb. 9; a few Am. Widgeon were present
from Jan. 29 to March 16 (LHK). Am. Widgeon were
at Longview (270), March 18; at Clear Lake near
Tenino, Wash., March 21; and at Comox at the end of
the period. The occasional European Widgeon was
reported on Lake Washington the last of November.
Mrs. Schultz thinks they may come in earlier but are
not recognized until they assume full plumage. Greater
Scaup were still at Blaine, March 22, and at Seattle on
March 28. Two Lesser Scaup (uncommon) were
collected at Victoria, Jan. 29 (CJG) and one was
brought to Davidson, March 6. Am. Golden-eyes
seemed more plentiful around Seattle (Seattle Audubon
bird that wintered (CJG). One Spotted Sandpiper was
seen at Victoria, Jan. 4 (ARD), and one at Harper,
Kitsap Co., Jan. 3 (ZMS). Six Greater Yellow-legs were
at Chatham Island, Jan. 29; 20 Greater and Lesser were
seen on Feb. 11, and the Greater were moving north
on Feb. 18 (CJG). Rock Sandpipers (7) were at
Victoria, Jan. 9, and 70 Red-backed on Jan. 29 (ARD).
At Chatham Island, Jan. 29, several small flocks of
sandpipers thought to be Red-backed were moving
north. The usual immense mixed flocks of Red-backs
and Sanderlings were present along the ocean beaches
of Grays Harbor in February and March (ZMS). More
Sanderlings than usual were seen along the shore at
Seattle, 45 to 100 being seen (Violet E. Cannon). One
Sanderling at Victoria, Jan. 12, was the only one seen by
Davidson.
Gulls and Alcids.—There was the greatest number of
Glaucous-winged Gulls at Comox following spawning
herring that Pearse had ever seen. They also appeared
more numerous than usual in Seattle. On Greater
Chain Island, off S.E. Vancouver Island, they were
beginning to pair and establish territories on Feb. 18
(CJG). One (Thayer's) Herring Gull was seen at Seattle,
Jan. 2 (GE and Wm. Rourke). One wintered at Green
Lake, Seattle, a less mature individual than the one that
wintered in 1952-53 (ZMS). At least a dozen Herring
Gulls were seen at Westport, Grays Harbor. March 2021 (ZMS). There were 12 California Gulls at Victoria,
Feb. 24 (ARD), and one juvenile wintered at Green
Lake, Seattle (ZMS). An estimated 500 Short-billed
Gulls were following the herring at Comox in the
middle of March, and a few were still around Blaine,
March 22, and Seattle, March 28; some were acquiring
breeding plumage. This gull is only slightly less
common than the Glaucous-winged in the Seattle
region during the winter. Six Bonaparte's Gulls were
seen at Victoria on Dec. 28 (ARD) and small numbers
were present about Seattle to the end of the period, still
in winter plumage. Large numbers of Ancient Murrelets
were strung out between Chain and Chatham Islands,
Jan. 29 to Feb. 7; none were seen on Feb. 18 (CJG).
Cassin's Auklets (10 to 15) and 6 to 8 Rhinoceros
Auklets were in the main channel off S.E. Vancouver
Island, Jan. 29. No Cassin's Auklets were seen, Feb. 18;
one Cassin's Auklet, scarce in Puget Sound, was
brought in from Bremerton on Feb. 18.
Audubon Field Notes, Volume 8, Number 3..264
Society) and were courting from Dec. 27 through the
end of the period (ZMS). There were some around
Blaine on March 22, but the wintering birds had moved
north at Comox by the end of March. Old-squaw were
in small numbers off Victoria, Jan. 29, in winter
plumage and courting (CJG). A large number of scoters
stopped in at Comox the last of November, possibly
due to stormy weather. There were large numbers of
Am. Scoters at Crescent Beach, B. C., Dec. 29, unusual
in that area (M. W. Holden); and a female was seen at
Alki, Seattle, March 28. Ruddy Ducks (200±) were seen
at Olympia, Jan. 31 (REE).
Birds of Prey.—Two Turkey Vultures came into Victoria
from the hills on March 21 (ARD). Bald Eagles were
wintering as usual in northwestern Washington, and
observers noted more of both Bald Eagles and local
hawks than usual in the Puget Sound area.
Shorebirds.—On Chatham Island, off S.E. Vancouver
Island, a Black Oyster-catcher was seen Jan. 29, a few
more Feb. 7, and they were courting madly on Feb. 18
(CJG). Killdeer were in large numbers in fields near
Corvallis, Oreg., during January and February (REP).
They were moving north through western Washington
at night the second week in February (ZMS). A few
Black-bellied Plover were at Victoria, Dec. 28 to March
20 (ARD). They were moving north at Chatham Island,
Feb. 18; Black Turnstones were in numbers at
Chatham Island, Jan. 29, and were moving north, Feb.
18 (CJG). One Ruddy Turnstone was collected at
Westport, March 21 (Garrett Eddy). East of Corvallis
on Jan. 16, during a heavy snow, 30 Wilson's Snipe
were counted (REP, Edward Hansen). A Hudsonian
Curlew on Chatham Island, Feb. 11, was probably the
Pigeons through Woodpeckers.—The usual number of
Band-tailed Pigeons wintered about Seattle. A flock of
about 100 was seen at Bellevue, E of Seattle, the last of
November (W. H. Ransom) and 5 were at Olympia,
Feb. 27 (REE). Small flocks of Mourning Doves were
seen all winter at Corvallis, 75 being the largest
number, Jan. 14 (REP). A scarcity of Short-eared Owls
was apparent. A Rufous Hummingbird was seen at
Victoria, Jan. 6, and again on Jan. 19 (the last time
7
Northwest Field Notes, Annotated / 1949-1960
reported) (ARD). One was seen at Seattle during the
week of Jan. 17, in a yard with full-blooming Prunus
subbirtella autumnalis near a thick western cedar tree
(Mrs. H. E. Zimmerman). A Yellow-shafted Flicker
was brought in to the museum in January. Hybrids are
not uncommon, but true Yellow-shafts are scarce in
this area. Two Yellow-bellied Sapsuckers came into
Victoria on Jan. 19, after a blizzard on the 15th, and
several were reported in Seattle during the two weeks
of snow in January.
Finches were very numerous in favorable areas, the
flocks containing a large percentage of full-colored
males. House Finches (35) were at Longview, March
17, and a few wintered south of Seattle. A Savannah
Sparrow was seen at Victoria, Jan. 4 (ARD) and 4
belonging to one of the large northern races were seen
at Westport, March 21 (ZMS). The unusual Am. Tree
Sparrow (3) was noted at Bellevue, Jan. 31 (W. M.
Hagenstein). White-crowned and Golden-crowned
Sparrows wintered sparingly. There was a spectacular
influx of Fox Sparrows in the Comox area during the
cold in January. H. M. Laing reported 25 near his
house; 2 definite types were noted. They left with the
end of the cold. A Lincoln's Sparrow was noted at
Victoria, Jan. 29 (ARD). At Seattle a Snow Bunting was
identified by Garrett Eddy at the West Point Light in
December. The lighthouse keeper saw 4 at another
time.—MARTHA R. FLAHAUT and ZELLA M.
SCHULTZ, Washington State Museum, University of
Washington, Seattle.
Chickadees through Starlings.—Black-capped Chickadees
were numerous in the Seattle area (Vivian Thorne and
Emily Haig). House Wrens were seen at Longview in
December and January (Allen and Arline Lintecum).
Varied Thrushes came into towns during the cold
weather in January, but most of them left as soon as
the weather moderated. Hermit Thrushes (4) were seen
at Victoria on Jan. 18—a few overwinter regularly
(ARD). One was seen at Harper, Jan. 3 (VT, EH); 4
came to a feeder at Longview, Jan. 18 to Feb. 4
(Lintecum); one was seen on Vashon Island, March 28
(ZMS). Seven Western Bluebirds were at Victoria, Jan.
3 (ARD) and 6 were captured at Bremerton during the
deep snow in January. Golden-crowned Kinglets were
scarce until January; they became numerous after the
first; Ruby-crowned Kinglets seemed to be more
numerous than last year, and were in song at the end of
the period (VT, EH). The Common Starling continued
its steady advance. In Linn Co., Oreg., 400 were seen
Jan. 17, and 200 to 300 on Feb. 21 at another place
(REP, EH). One was seen at Fort Lawton Field,
Seattle, Jan. 2, with robins and meadowlarks (GE, WR).
At Redmond, King Co.,
Spring Migration, 1954
PALOUSE–NORTHERN ROCKY MOUNTAIN
REGION [No Regional report received from this region]
Spring Migration, 1954
GREAT
BASIN,
CENTRAL
ROCKY
MOUNTAIN REGION.—The past few years have
seen a steady rise in the bird clubs in this Region
although all are totally independent of one another.
This spring saw the organization of a new one, the
Wyoming Audubon Society in Casper. Now every state
in this Region, except Nevada, has at least one bird
club. The drought and warmth continued in this
Region. The migration was early until May when snow,
rain, and cold started retarding the later migration so
that in the northern part it was not complete by May
31.
Audubon Field Notes, Volume 8, Number 3..265
Wash., 9 were seen, Feb. 26 (VT, EH). Mrs. Kline had
her first record at Blaine, Jan. 17 and 19, and Pearse
reported 3 in a garden at Comox, with one reported
every now and then.
Warblers.—An Orange-crowned Warbler was at a food
station in Seattle, Jan. 5. Wintering Townsend's
Warblers were reported quite frequently in Seattle and
Longview. A Black-capped Warbler showed up at
Davidson's house in Victoria, Dec. 23, in the company
of the flock of Golden-crowned Kinglets.
Ibises and Cranes.—The White-faced Ibis made an
unusual incursion into this area. Starting in the Great
Salt Lake region, where it is a regular visitant, a high of
200 were seen at Bear River Marshes. Seventy-five were
seen near Vernal in eastern Utah, April 9, by Thorne—
the highest number ever seen in that area. Reames
found one near Durango on May 9; Warkley had one at
Ocean Lake in central Wyoming on May 21; and Gage
had one at Casper, May 31. These last two observations
are most unusual. Thompson reported 4 Sandhill
Cranes in Northeastern Utah, April 10.
Finches.—Evening Grosbeaks flocked to Comox,
Corvallis and Longview during the cold weather. Heavy
maple seed and berry-shrub crops held them at
Longview throughout the period. Pine Siskins were
reported in large numbers at Seattle and Longview.
One Red Crossbill at Victoria on Jan. 1 was the only
one seen by Davidson; small flocks were seen several
times in Snohomish Co. by Mrs. Schultz. Purple
Waterfowl.—The waterfowl migration was 2 to 3 weeks
early. As usual the greatest concentrations were
8
Northwest Field Notes, Annotated / 1949-1960
reported by Vanez Wilson from Bear River Refuge.
The peak number was of Pintail, 72,000 on March 18;
next, Green-winged Teal 30,800 on April 9; and
Mallard and Scaup 10,000 each, March 18 and April 9;
other waterfowl were in lesser numbers. The peak of
swans was 2,100 on March 18. The spring movement
was spread over a longer period this year, but the total
number of waterfowl moving through was about the
same as in the past few years. The amateur
ornithologist who goes west without seeing Bear River
Marshes is like the fellow who goes to New York
during migration without going to Central Park.
Thompson reported 2 Blue Geese on Farmington Bay,
farther down Great Salt Lake, on March 15. On April
20 he had 2 Hooded Mergansers near Provo in central
Utah. These were the only unusual records of
waterfowl.
Park on May 7. Mrs. Shaw reported a Pileated
Woodpecker from Warm Lake north of Nampa, Idaho,
on May 23.
Perching Birds.—Lockerbie had a Bewick's Wren on May
31. Am. Robins were reported in flocks by the 1000 in
Utah in April—a very large migration (Lockerbie). The
Bohemian Waxwing left most of the Region by early
April. The warbler migration was as undistinguished as
usual although Watson had more Virginia's Warblers
than ever before at Mesa Verde National Park. He
reported far more species of warbler (11) than from
any other part of this whole Region. In general, if Bear
River is the place to see water birds, then Mesa Verde
with Don Watson, the Park Archeologist, is the best
place to see land birds. Oppie Reames had a Myrtle
Warbler at Durango for her first in the Region.
However, Watson reported the bird regularly from
Mesa Verde. Lockerbie had an Am. Redstart at Salt
Lake, the first observation there in 14 years. Moving
east to central Wyoming, the Am. Redstart is almost a
regular migrant but the adult male black plumage has
not been seen (OKS).—DR. OLIVER K. SCOTT, 437
East 13th St., Casper, Wyo.
Hawks.—Floyd Thompson, the U.S. game management
agent in Salt Lake City, reported an increasing number
of Bald Eagles in Utah during the past 7 years. The first
encouraging report of a hawk we have had, always in
the past only decreases have been reported. John
Brandt found a nest of the Bald Eagle along the cliffs
of the Rio Grande in southern Colorado in April.
Shorebirds.—The shorebird migration was much as
usual. Fewer Mountain Plover than previously were
found on their breeding ground, May 11, on Route 20
in the Big Horn Basin (OKS). The high report of Am.
Avocets was 3,500 at Farmington Bay on April 4
(Thompson). Eight Black-necked Stilts got as far north
as Nampa, Idaho, April 22 (Shaw). The high for Longbilled Curlew was 150 at the Bear River Marshes on
April 21; and 150 Baird's Sandpipers on April 7 in the
same area. The Red Knot, a most
Spring Migration, 1954
NORTH PACIFIC COAST REGION.—April was
generally cooler than normal, with more precipitation.
May was very nearly normal in all respects, except for a
cold snap at the first of the month. H. M. Laing of
Comox kindly substituted for Theed Pearse, who was
in Europe. Mrs. Schultz thought there was a greater
abundance of small land birds in Washington than she
had ever seen. Garrett Eddy observed a wave of
warblers at Seattle the equal of any he had seen in the
East. This occurred on May 4 and 5, correlated with an
easing of cold weather in the south. Solitary and
Warbling Vireos, Orange-crowned, Nashville, Blackthroated Gray, Townsend's and Black-capped Warblers
were involved. Usually migration waves do not occur in
this Region.
Audubon Field Notes, Volume 8, Number 4..322
unusual shorebird in this Region, showed up with 2
seen at Farmington Bay by Lockerbie, May 8, and one
at Casper, Wyo., on May 30 (OKS). Wilson's Phalarope
continues the most common breeding shorebird. The
Northern Phalarope is a regular migrant in Wyoming
with a high of 100 seen at Ocean Lake (Wyoming
Audubon Society).
Loons, Grebes.—At Seattle on May Garrett Eddy saw 4
Red-throated Loons in winter plumage, and 2 Horned
Grebes in spring plumage. Over 300 Western Grebes
were at Seattle, May 8 (GE), and the last seen at Blaine
was on May 18 (Lucile H. Kline).
Owls.—Brandt found 9 nests of the Horned Owl along
the river bottoms in San Luis valley near Alamosa in
southern Colorado. This points to the idea this can be
done almost anywhere in the cottonwood river
bottoms of this Region, where the Horned Owl is
actually a very common bird.
Swans, Geese.—Whistling Swans flew over Comox,
Vancouver Island, April 29 (C. Estlin, fide Laing). At
Corvallis, Oreg., about 800 Canada Geese passed over
low on April 22 (R. E. Phillips). Two large flocks were
flying low over NE Seattle, early April 27, just after
recession of strong NE and NW winds (Grace Olsen).
Other flocks were migrating at Seattle, April 29 (Violet
Goatsuckers, Woodpeckers.—Poor-wills were reported by
Don Thatcher in Genesee Mt. Park west of Denver on
May 31, and by Don Watson at Mesa Verde National
9
Northwest Field Notes, Annotated / 1949-1960
E. Cannon). (Cackling) Canada Geese (300± minima)
flew low over Corvallis, April 23 (REP), and about 35
were at Grays Harbor, Wash., May 16 (ZMS). A flock
of around 50 White-fronted Geese flew low over
Seattle, April 25; 13 were noted, April 26 (VEC). They
were heard at Victoria, April 25 and 26 (C. J. Guiguet).
About 200 came to Comox, April 30 (HML). Black
Brant moved from bays at Blaine, March 8. At Comox,
they were on the move from April 2 (Strong SE wind)
to April 14, with about 2,000, April 9. They left Seattle
by May 12, but over 1,000 were seen at Grays Harbor,
Wash., May 13 (Vivian Thorne), and about 800 were
seen at Tillamook, Oreg., May 15 (REP).
Plover (20 to 30) were also seen there, mostly in winter
plumage (ZMS). Black Turnstones (8) were seen at
Grays Harbor, May 4 (Mr. and Mrs. R. M. Boggs); one
at Cannon Beach, Oreg., May 15 (REP), and one on
the southeast coast of Vancouver Island, May 13
(CJG). Two Wilson's Snipe were noted at Comox, April
5; 72 on April 16. Long-billed Curlews (8) were seen at
Grays Harbor, May 13 (Vivian Thorne). Hudsonian
Curlews were listed at Victoria, April 29; at Blaine and
Grays Harbor, May 5; and again at Grays Harbor, May
15. A pair of Solitary Sandpipers, unusual at Victoria,
was seen, May 2 (ARD). Both Greater and Lesser
Yellow-legs were plentiful on tidal ponds in South
Seattle by April 18 (VEC). The first Greater Yellowlegs were at Blaine, March 30; they increased, April 14,
and were reduced to 2 on May 13. They were first seen
at Comox, April 13. About 200 Red Knots were
counted at Grays Harbor, May 1 (Wm. Goodge); they
had dwindled to a few, May 13 (VT). Four Rock
Sandpipers were seen there on May 4 (RMB). Least
Sandpipers were at Comox, April 25. There were only a
few at Grays Harbor, May 1, but they were present in
hundreds, May 13. At Blaine there were about 2000
Red-backed Sandpipers, April 13; 150± on May 12. At
Grays Harbor, approximately 1,000 were noted, May 15
(ZMS). Four Dowitchers were seen at Victoria, May 2
(ARD), and two fair-sized flocks at Grays Harbor, May
13 (VY). Western Sandpipers passed through the
Seattle area from April 4 to May 9 (VEC). At Grays
Harbor, there were over 1200, May 4 (RMB); in the
hundreds, May 13 (VT); but only a few, May 15 (ZMS).
The first Westerns were at Victoria, April 28.
Sanderlings (1000±) were at Grays Harbor, May 15
(ZMS), and 4 were seen at Seattle (uncommon), May 8
(GE). Wandering Tattlers (4) were seen at Grays
Harbor, May 4 (RMB). At least 100 Short-billed Gulls
were at Seattle, April 23 (ZMS); the last were at Blaine,
April 28. Bonaparte's Gulls were numerous on Lake
Washington, in breeding plumage, May 1 (ZMS); and
11 were noted at Blaine, May 3 and 4. A rare Caspian
Tern was seen at the south end of Hoods Canal,
Wash., May 14 (VT).
Ducks.—The last Pintails (12) were seen at Blaine, April
17 (LHK). A pair of Blue-winged Teal, unusual at
Victoria, was seen by A. E. Davidson and others. Ten
male European Widgeons and a few females supposed
to be of this species were at Longview, Wash., from
Nov. 26 to April 10 (A. B. Lintecum). Two pairs of
Wood Ducks were near Comox, April 25, where
several hundred Greater Scaup on April 3 had
increased to about 1000 on April 5, drawn by spawning
herring. There were over 50 Greater Scaup at one
beach at Seattle, May 8 (GE). The last Greater Scaup
were seen at Blaine, May 11, but the Lesser had gone
by March 30. The last Am. Golden-eye was seen at
Blaine, May 2, and
Audubon Field Notes, Volume 8, Number 4..324
at Seattle, May 8. Buffleheads left Blaine, April 21. By
April 25 most of the ducks wintering at Victoria had
gone, leaving only Old-squaws, Buffleheads, and scaup;
a month later all had gone, except some Harlequins. At
Victoria it seems that it is only the immature and nonbreeding Harlequins which remain all summer. There
were about 100 White-winged Scoters at Seattle on May
8 (GE).
Vultures, Hawks.—A Turkey Vulture at Grays Harbor,
and another near Shelton, Wash., May 16, are worthy
of mention (ZMS). An adult Goshawk northeast of
Victoria, May 18, was the first seen for some time
(CJG). The first Osprey of the season was seen at
Comox, April 10. Three Marsh Hawks were seen at
Victoria, April 28 (ARD).
Pigeons through Woodpeckers.—Band-tailed Pigeons were
recorded as follows: first appearance at Comox, April
16; at Blaine, May 2; and at Camas (75±), May 9. A
Black Swift was seen at Bellevue, May 14 (W. M.
Hagenstein). Vaux's Swifts arrived at Blue River, 40
miles NE of Eugene, Oreg., May 2 (REP); at Bellevue,
May 9 (WMH); at Puyallup, Wash., May 14 (VEC); and
at Victoria, May 30 (ARD). Rufous Hummingbirds
were at Longview, March 5; at Seattle, March 21; and
were plentiful on Vashon Island, west of Seattle, March
28. The first male reached Victoria, April 1, and the
first female was recognized on April 12, although 50
plus were in a cherry tree, April 11. At Comox, the first
male Rufous Hummingbird was seen, April 11; the first
Cranes, Coots.—A flock of Sandhill Cranes was reported
passing Comox, April 16 (J. Hames, fide Laing). Over
100 wintering Am. Coots at Camas, east of Vancouver,
Wash., had dwindled to a few by May 1 (A. C. and H.
F. Roberts). The last coots were seen at Blaine on April
13.
Shorebirds.—Ringed Plover and Ruddy Turnstones were
abundant at Grays Harbor, May 15. Black-bellied
10
Northwest Field Notes, Annotated / 1949-1960
female, April 19. There was a flight of 25 Lewis's
Woodpeckers at Corvallis, April 23 (REP). Apparently
increasing in western Washington, they were seen south
of Tacoma, May 9 (VEC); at Bellevue, May 5 (WMH);
and at Seattle, May 8 (GE).
and at Blaine, May 5. About 40 were seen near Comox,
April 25.
Vireos, Warblers.—A big wave of vireos and warblers at
Seattle was reported in the introduction. The first
Solitary Vireos were at Victoria, April 9; at Seattle,
April 20; and at Comox, April 23. Warbling Vireos
came to Victoria, April 15 (ARD), and to Seattle, April
25 (VEC). Orange-crowned Warblers were first noted
at Seattle and Bellevue, April 4 (RMB, WMH); at
Victoria (numerous), April 17; Comox, April 23; and
Blaine, April 27. Yellow Warblers were at Longview,
April 19; Victoria, April 27 (CJG); but were not noted
at Seattle until May 1 (ZMS); Bellevue, May 9; and
Blaine, May 7. The peak of Myrtle Warbler migration
through Seattle was about April 24 (VEC); and a few
were still there, May 1 (ZMS). The first Audubon's (1
pair) were at Comox, April 11; and at Blaine, April 17.
The height of the Audubon's migration at Victoria was
on May 1, but not so many were seen; a few Myrtles
were also seen, May 1 (ARD). The first Townsend's
Warblers were at Victoria, April 17. One Hermit
Warbler was seen at Seattle, April 12 (RMB).
Macgillivray's Warblers were on the Tacoma prairies,
May 14 (VEC). They arrived at Victoria, May 16.
Common Yellowthroats were first reported at Bellevue,
April 18 (WMH); and at Seattle, April 24 (VEC). Blackcapped Warblers were at Longview, April 30; Seattle,
May 1; Victoria, May 2; and Blaine, May 7.
Flycatchers, Swallows.—Traill's Flycatchers were reported
at Seattle, May 18; at Blaine, May 26; and Victoria, May
28. Western Flycatchers were at Seattle, April 22, and at
Victoria, April 27. The Western Wood Pewee was first
seen at Victoria, May 16. The irregular Hammond's
Flycatcher was noted at Seattle, May 1 (Schultz and
Henretty). Olive-sided Flycatchers were at the Tacoma
prairies, May 14; at Grays Harbor and Victoria, May 16.
Both Mrs. Schultz and Mrs. Kline thought Violet-green
Swallows were much more numerous. They were at
Seattle, March 12; Camas, March 13; Longview, March
17; Blaine, March 22; and Comox, April 10. Mrs. Kline
reported a wave of Violet-greens at Pt. Roberts, Wash.,
near the Canadian border, about April 9. A few Tree
Swallows were at Camas, Feb. 25. They were at
Bellevue, Feb. 28, and were first seen at Blaine, April
15. They were in numbers at Victoria by March 14.
Barn Swallows first came to Longview, March 20
(ABL) ; were seen at several places in King Co., Wash.,
April 18; Bellingham, April 24 (ZMS); Blaine, April 27;
and Victoria, April 29. Cliff Swallows were at Bellevue
and Blaine, April 11; Seattle, April 18; and at Camas,
April 26. Rough-winged Swallows were at Victoria,
April 17; Seattle, April 18; Camas, April 26; and at
Bellevue, May 23. Purple Martins were at nest sites at
Comox, April 18; and in downtown Seattle, April 21
(Mrs. J. I. Colwell).
Blackbirds through Tanagers.—There were several
occurrences of Yellow-headed Blackbirds (rare on
the west side). Two were seen at Blaine, April 22; at
least one female in Seattle, April 24 to the end of the
period (VEC and RMB); and a male at Westport, May 3
(RMB). A Brown-headed Cowbird was seen at
Seattle, May 15, by Mrs. G. C. Henretty, who knows it
well. A Bullock's Oriole was at Bellevue from May 14
to the end of the period (WMH). Mrs. Schultz had
never seen so many Western Tanagers, on both sides of
the Cascade Mountains. First arrivals were: Longview,
April 3; Camas, May 3; Seattle, May 4; and Victoria,
May 16.
Creepers, Wrens, Thrushes.—A Brown Creeper was seen
at Comox, April 19; almost rare now, they formerly
nested. House Wrens were at the Tacoma prairies by
May 14 (VEC); and were first seen at Victoria, May 16
(ARD). The peak of Hermit Thrushes through Seattle
was in the week of April 25 (VEC). They were first
seen at Camas, May 1. Thrushes, probably Hermits
judging from the dates, were at Longview, April 7;
Victoria, April 17; and Blaine, April 18. The Olivebacked arrives two to three weeks later. They were
noted at Bellevue, April 27; and at Seattle and Camas,
May 10. The first
Finches.—Black-headed Grosbeaks came to Seattle, May
1; to Bellevue, May 8; and to Victoria, May 28. Mrs.
Schultz is of the opinion that non-breeding Evening
Grosbeaks wander all year; hence it is difficult to show
a pattern by dates. They were at Corvallis, Oreg., in
hundreds until May 3, then thinned out, with 40
counted on May 31 (REP). About 160 were at
Longview from May 23 to the end of the period. They
were abundant northeast of Nanaimo, B. C., April 11
(Stainer). Casual at Victoria, 5 were seen, May 9 (ARD).
A male House Finch in South Seattle, April 10, was
probably on territory (ZMS); and 1 male and 2 females
were seen, May 9 (RMB). Pine Siskins wander widely in
Audubon Field Notes, Volume 8, Number 4..325
migrant Western Bluebirds were seen at Blaine, April
13, and on the east coast of Vancouver Island, April 3
(J. Stainer, fide Guiguet). Two unusual Mountain
Bluebirds were seen at Blaine, April 13. Townsend's
Solitaires were coming to the Seattle area, April 18 to
30 (VEC); the first was seen at Blaine, April 28. Water
Pipits were at Bellevue, April 18; at Victoria, May 3;
11
Northwest Field Notes, Annotated / 1949-1960
winter. If not present in a particular locality all the time,
they come in with the blooming of dandelions. This is
true also of Am. Goldfinches. Cold weather delayed
development of dandelions this year; hence the two
species were late in many places. The first Pine Siskins
came to Blaine, April 23, and there were about 500 on
April 27. A few Am. Goldfinches normally winter in
the Seattle area; the migrants were extremely late
(ZMS). They first came to Blaine, April 20, but were
not common until May 2. The first date for Victoria
was April 27; and for Seattle, May 8 (GE).
FLAHAUT and ZELLA M. SCHULTZ, Washington
State Museum, University of Washington, Seattle.
The Nesting Season, 1954
PALOUSE-NORTHERN ROCKY MOUNTAIN
REGION.—Beginning with the February 1955 issue,
the new regional editor for this area will be: Mr.
Thomas Rogers, 1306 Dakota Avenue, Libby, Mont. Copy
for records of the Fall Migration Season should be sent
to him at the above address on or before December
5th.
Sparrows.—From collected specimens of Savannah
Sparrows, Mrs. Schultz thinks that birds passing
through in late April and May are northern-nesting
subspecies. We have such diverse reports as: Camas,
May 3 and 10; Blaine, March 29 and May 12; Seattle,
April 11 and May 1. The subspecies brooksi was nesting
at Victoria, April 17, where the first transient was seen,
April 25, and the last, May 15 (ARD). They were
"numerous" at Comox, April 16 (Hames, fide Laing).
The first Vesper Sparrows were at Camas, April 27, and
at the Tacoma prairies, May 9. Two Slate-colored
Juncos (ssp. hyemalis) were banded by Mrs. Kline at
Blaine, April 16. Chipping Sparrows are very local in
distribution on the west side. They arrived at Victoria,
April 13; and at Blaine, April 15 (common on April 27;;
31 banded). Other reports were: Bellevue, April 17;
Seattle, April 20; Camas and Comox, April 22. There
was a strong movement at Seattle, May 4 and 5 (GE).
The rare Harris's Sparrow was seen at Fall City, King
Co., Wash., April 18, by Hagenstein and others. The
first White-crowned Sparrows were seen at Longview
and Blaine, April 1; at Bellevue and Victoria, April 6;
Camas, April 21. There was also a movement through
Seattle the last of April (VEC). A few of the Gambel's
subspecies were passing through Seattle from April 4 to
May 20. Both subspecies were heard in proximity, May
1 (ZMS). Twenty-three Gambel's were banded at
Blaine: the first on April 28, the last, May 19. Goldencrowned Sparrows were passing through Seattle from
April 11 to May 22 (VEC). Hagenstein reported more
on the east side of Lake Washington than in any other
year. The first was seen at Blaine, April 22 (common
from May 1 to 11). At Victoria, about 50 were around
Davidson's home from May 5 to 13. Lintecum reported
the height of migration at Longview on May 10. Fox
Sparrows were also more numerous at Bellevue than
any other year. They were gathering in groups in
Seattle, April 4, and gradually left before May 1 (VEC).
There was another movement through Seattle, May 4
and 5 (GE). The last Fox Sparrow was seen at Blaine.
April 17, and at Victoria, May 4. One Lincoln's
Sparrow was seen at Blaine, April 29; and 3 at Victoria,
May 2. One Lapland Longspur was seen at Grays
Harbor, May 4 and 5 (RMB).—MARTHA R.
The Nesting Season, 1954
GREAT
BASIN,
CENTRAL
ROCKY
MOUNTAIN REGION.—The drought of the past
year continued over some of this Region and parts
were declared disaster areas, whereupon it started to
rain more than usual. Elsewhere over this Region
conditions were normal and no rain fell. Ken McLeod
reported from the Klamath Basin in Oregon that the
Bureau of Reclamation has come up with a hundred
million dollar project for the basin. This threatens the
beautiful unspoiled marshes remaining in that part of
the country which teem with wildlife. These include
Sycan Marsh, Klamath Marsh, and Sprague River
Valley. The bill removing federal control from the
Klamath Indian Reservation is almost through
Congress and releases the Klamath Marsh for
exploitation. It is high time the forces for conservation
became better organized to slow down the Bureau. In
general, the breeding season this year was very similar
to last year. More information on the incursion of the
White-faced Ibis was reported by Branson with 7
summering, but not breeding, birds in the Klamath
Basin.
Waterfowl.—Three nesting sites of the Trumpeter Swan
were found in Grand Teton National Park, Wyo., this
season, instead of the usual one (Carl Jepson, park
naturalist). On May 31, Floyd Thompson, U. S. Game
Management Agent in Utah, saw a
Audubon Field Notes, Volume 8, Number 5..354
Ross's Goose at Salt Springs in western Utah. We have
reports from two of the great waterfowl nesting areas
in this region. Vanez Wilson at Bear River Refuge on
the upper end of Great Salt Lake reported the
waterfowl nesting population down somewhat from
last year, in spite of weather and water conditions being
favorable—by June 1 they had 298 broods of Canada
Geese—on July 29 they counted 161 broods of
Redheads and 143 broods of Gadwall; from Tule Lake
12
Northwest Field Notes, Annotated / 1949-1960
and Lower Klamath in the Klamath Basin, Branson
reported production of Canada Geese up 73 per cent,
Mallard, Redhead and Am. Coot up considerably,
Gadwall down over 80 per cent and the total duck
production down slightly. The peak of waterfowl
hatching was two weeks advanced. He had the first
positive record of Green-winged Teal and Ring-necked
Duck nesting in that area. Lockerbie reported a
Redhead just off the nest with 22 chicks at Farmington
Bay down the Lake from Bear River. Three weeks later
this family was still intact.
Finches and Longspurs.—Mrs. Carman noted her first pair
of nesting Blue Grosbeaks at Grand Junction, Colo.
The Brown-capped Rosy Finch was found nesting a
month early at Loveland Pass by R. J. Niedrach on June
19. John Warkley of Casper, Wyo., traced the breeding
range of the McCown's Longspur from the town of
Laramie, Wyo., north over the Laramie Plains, where it
is abundant, to the foothills of the Big Horn
Mountains.—DR. OLIVER K. SCOTT, 437 East 13th
St., Casper, Wyo.
Gallinaceous Birds.—The White-tailed Ptarmigan was
breeding three weeks earlier than usual in Colorado.
Young several days old were seen in the Wasatch
Range at 13,700 feet elevation on July 3 by Clyde
Weatherford. On July 8, Don Thatcher had young
almost 2 weeks old on Trail Ridge in Rocky Mountain
Park and at Loveland Pass, Colo.
The Nesting Season, 1954
NORTH PACIFIC COAST REGION.—June and
July were generally cool and cloudy, interspersed with
short periods of warmer weather. Some observers
thought the nesting was about normal; others felt it was
unfavorable for those species which nest in April and
May. From the dates on which observers first reported
young birds, it is difficult to tell whether they represent
second broods, or re-nestings after the loss of the first
nest. Normally the following species mentioned in this
report raise more than one brood in this Region:
Killdeer, Rufous Hummingbird, Traill's and Western
Flycatchers, Barn Swallow, Black-capped and Chestnutbacked Chickadees, Bushtit, Bewick's Wren, Western
Bluebird, Golden-crowned Kinglet, Orange-crowned
and Audubon's Warblers, Spotted Towhee, Savannah
Sparrow, Oregon Junco, White-crowned and Song
Sparrows.
Shorebirds, Gulls.—The Mountain Plover was found
breeding in several new localities in central Wyoming
by Warkley. The Bear River Marshes reported 4821
nests of the California Gull, an increase over last year.
Swifts, Flycatchers, Verdins.—H. H. Jeter and R. G.
Beidleman reported 3 Black Swifts in Rocky Mountain
National Park on June 22. Lockerbie recorded more
breeding Eastern Kingbirds than he has ever found
before in the Salt Lake valley. In the Great Sand Dunes
National Monument in the San Luis Valley, central
southern Colorado, Mrs. Armagast reported an Olivesided Flycatcher, July 10, seen by an Adams State
summer class in ornithology. The same class had a
Verdin on July 17, a very unusual record.
Grebes, Cormorants.—A young Pied-billed Grebe was
seen at Bellevue, east of Seattle, June 24 (W. M.
Hagenstein). At Victoria, 30 nests with eggs of Pelagic
Cormorants were noted, June 23 (A. R. Davidson).
Wrens, Thrushes.—Lockerbie found a Bewick's Wren at
Eureka in central Utah, his 9th record in 24 years. Mr.
Lockerbie thinks that the building of homes with more
lawns, fruit trees, and ornamental trees has been the
cause of the great increase in the thrush population that
he has been observing over the years in the Salt Lake
Valley. The Mountain Bluebird was reported down in
numbers by several observers: Mrs. Waltman in
Sheridan, Wyo.; Warkley in Casper, Wyo.; and
Lockerbie at Salt Lake City.
Geese, Ducks.—Downy young Canada Geese were seen
on water in Lake District, Vancouver Island, May 10
(C. J. Guiguet). Newly-hatched Mallards were seen at
Comox, Vancouver Island, on April 25 (H. M. Laing.)
Young Mallards less than a week old were seen at
Seattle, May 1 (Zella M. Schultz); and young were seen
at Camas, east of Vancouver, Wash., May 10 (Mr. and
Mrs. A. C. Roberts).
Quails, Pheasants, Rails.—A Bob-white was sitting on
eggs at Blaine, Wash., June 29 (Lucile H. Kline). The
first nesting of California Quail at Seattle was generally
unsuccessful, with high mortality; the first young were
seen, July 17 (Violet E. Cannon). A clutch of 15 Ringnecked Pheasants hatched at Corvallis, Oreg., May 19
(R. E. Phillips). The first young Ring-necks were seen
at Victoria, June 6 (ARD). An adult Sora was found
dead at Seattle, July 15 (uncommon—Mrs. H. L.
Schumacher).
Warblers, Orioles.—On June 26, Mrs. Philip
Hendrickson and Mrs. Lambertsen had a male Baybreasted Warbler at Rawlins, Wyo.—a new species for
the State. They also saw a Black and White Warbler. H.
H. Jeter had an Oven-bird in an aspen grove in Rocky
Mountain National Park on June 21, a first record in
the Park. Lockerbie reported a Scott's Oriole in Topaz
Canyon in a desert mountain range in central western
Utah.
13
Northwest Field Notes, Annotated / 1949-1960
Killdeer.—Killdeer were breeding at Camas, Wash., in
April (ACR). A nest and 4 eggs was seen near tidal
ponds in South Seattle, April 10 (Keith McDonald). A
downy young was found at Seattle, May 8 (Garrett
Eddy). At Blaine young were seen the third week in
May, which is late, with a second brood the first week
in July (LHK).
young at Snoqualmie Pass summit, east King Co.,
Wash., July 13 (VEC). Davidson saw a Horned Lark at
Victoria, June 8, and 2 were seen on the airport north
of Victoria, in July. Munro and Cowan in Bird Fauna of
British Columbia, p. 154, state they are "casual on
southern Vancouver Island, but not recorded since
1899." No breeding Horned Larks are credited to
northwestern Washington in the literature. However,
we have definite records from Birch Bay, near Blaine
(Kline); and males singing continuously in other
localities throughout the season, would imply nesting
(ZMS).
Pigeons, Goatsuckers.—It appeared that Band-tailed
Pigeons had a fairly successful nesting season in the
Seattle area; 13 banded pairs came to Eddy's feeding
station with young throughout the season, averaging
just under one young per pair. A few Band-tails were
nesting at Camas in early June; and a pair was nesting at
Mrs. Kline's place near Blaine the fourth week in June,
where one Mourning Dove was seen, June 16. The only
actual breeding records for western Washington are on
the "prairies" south of Tacoma. Mourning Doves seen
in other parts of the area are stragglers. Common
Nighthawks arrived in the Puget Biotic Province very
late. Normally heard the last of May, they were not
noted in Seattle and Victoria until June 11 (ZMS,
ARD). They were scarce in Victoria, but seemed to be
common and increasing in metropolitan areas of
Seattle. Mrs. Schumacher received a young one on Aug.
6 that was about 2 weeks old.
Swallows.—Young Violet-green Swallows were in a nest
box at Camas late in May. They were nesting at Blaine
the first week in June; and young were out of the nest
at Victoria, June 25. At Comox, part of a brood took
wing, June 28. Another pair was feeding their second
brood, July 28, after a mishap with the first (HML).
The maximum nesting of Barn Swallows at Camas was
from May 7 to 20 (ACR). The first brood at Blaine was
noted the second week in June, with a second brood
the last week in July. A Violet-green Swallow about 8
days old was brought to Mrs. Schumacher at Seattle,
June 26; a 2-weeks
Audubon Field Notes, Volume 8, Number 5..357
Swifts, Hummingbirds, Woodpeckers.—Black swifts were
seen more commonly in the lowlands than usual; 2
were at Victoria, June 1, with 50 on June 10; and 15 at
Blaine, June 7. Mrs. Schumacher observed newlyhatched Rufous Hummingbirds north of Seattle, April
30. They were in the nest 3 weeks. The female
immediately built another nest nearby and laid another
set of eggs. They were nesting at Bellevue, May 14
(WMH); at Camas, May 20; and at Blaine the second
week in June. Young left the nest at Longview, July 18
(A. B. Lintecum). Red-shafted Flickers were feeding
young in the nest at Seattle, May 9 (VEC). One young
Pileated Woodpecker was seen at Victoria, July 16
(ARD). Lewis's Woodpeckers were feeding young in
the nest at Westport, Grays Harbor, Wash., May 13
(Vivian Thorne, Mrs. G. C. Henretty, and Mrs. Neil
Haig). Two young were seen on a nesting tree at
Bellevue, July 13 (WMH). A brood of Hairy
Woodpeckers was about ready to leave the nest on one
of the San Juan Islands, May 31 (ZMS); and one young
was seen out of the nest east of Seattle, June 1 (VEC).
Young Downy Woodpeckers were out of the nest at
Seattle, June 25 (VEC); and on Whidbey Island, Wash,
June 29 (VT).
old Tree Swallow, June 21; and a very young Barn
Swallow, June 20. Mrs. Schumacher has exceptional
success in raising young birds that have met
misfortune. Cliff Swallows were nesting at Camas in
late May. They were building nests at Bellevue, May 15
(WMH). Fifty-five pairs were breeding at Mrs. Kline's
place near Blaine, June 17. At Victoria, 80+ Cliff
Swallows, with young birds, were flocked, on June 28.
Ravens, Crows.—First young Common Ravens were out
of the nest at Comox, July 19 (HML). A young
Northwest Crow was ready to leave the nest in San
Juan County, Wash., June 5 (ZMS).
Chickadees through Wrens.—Black-capped Chickadees
were nest-building at Bellevue, April 20 (WMH). They
were incubating at Blaine the first week in May.
Chestnut-backed Chickadees north of Seattle were
carrying rabbit fur for a second nest, May 21 (ZMS). A
pair with young was working a willow clump at Comox,
July 26. Common Bushtits were nest-building at Seattle
and Bellevue as early as March 21; other reports were
received up to April 3. Young birds were observed
leaving the nest, May 23 (WMH, RMB). They
continued to spread up the east coast of Vancouver
Island, and were noted as nesting at Parksville, 22 miles
north of Nanaimo, April 19 (J. Stainer fide CJG). Young
Brown Creepers were out of the nest at Victoria, May
31 (ARD). House Wrens were feeding young out of the
Flycatchers, Larks.—Western Flycatchers were feeding
young out of nest south of Tacoma, July 6 (VT). For
the first time in the 8 years Theed Pearse has been at
Comox, no Western Flycatchers were noted. The
irregular Hammond's Flycatchers were feeding flying
14
Northwest Field Notes, Annotated / 1949-1960
nest south of Tacoma, July 6 (uncommon—VT).
Young Bewick's Wrens left nest at Victoria, May 12 (B.
Newton). A pair of Long-billed Marsh Wrens was at
their nest near Victoria, July 31 (ARD). Munro and
Cowan (op. cit., p. 171) state that it was resident
"formerly at least, on southern Vancouver Island."
Brewer's Blackbirds were nesting at Blaine the second
week in May and young were out of the nest at Camas,
June 6. Young Brewer's were being weaned on
Whidbey Island, June 29 (VT). Several juvenal Western
Tanagers were seen at Longview, Aug. 2 (ABL).
Finches.—A road-killed female Black-headed Grosbeak
in the Whatcom Co., Wash., foothills, July 4, had no
incubation patch, but a soft-shelled egg in the oviduct
(ZMS). They were nesting south of Tacoma, July 6
(VT). Young left the nest at Seattle, July 17 (VEC). A
pair of the rare Lazuli Buntings was seen by Mrs.
Kline near Blaine, June 18. House Finches were nesting
at Camas in late May. They seemed to be more
numerous at Longview, where they were nesting the
first part of June. House Finches nested in several
places in Seattle; were first noted in the northwest
section, July 14, where the young left the nest, July 29
(Fleisher). Young were flying in the southwest section,
July 23 (VEC). Am. Goldfinches were nesting at
Camas, May 20. At Seattle, a nest was completed, May
30; young were being fed in nest, June 29; and were
flying, July 4 (VEC). They were nesting at Blaine the
last week in June. Davidson saw 25 Red Crossbills in
his yard at Victoria, June 12. This species is common all
summer (and probably breeds) in areas where
Lodgepole Pine (Pinus contorta) is found.
Thrushes, Kinglets, Waxwings.—Am. Robins nested three
times in many places, starting to build nests around the
first of April. The pattern at Blaine was fairly typical:
first brood the 4th week in April, the second brood the
second week in June, and the third brood the fourth
week in July. Varied Thrushes were just out of the nest
south of Tacoma, May 23 (Seattle Audubon Soc.). A
pair was nesting at Longview, June 2 (ABL). Olivebacked Thrushes were not heard as plentifully at Seattle
as normally. There were 15 breeding pairs in Mrs.
Kline's vicinity at Blaine the fourth week in June.
Western Bluebirds were feeding young in the nest
south of Tacoma, May 23 (VEC). They were carrying
food at Camas, June 9, and the young were out of the
nest, June 23. Young Western Bluebirds were flying at
Victoria, July 13; and Golden-crowned Kinglets were
out of nest, July 18. Cedar Waxwings were nestbuilding at Seattle, June 13 (RMB) ; and were feeding
young out of the nest on Whidbey Island, June 29
(VT).
Vireos, Warblers.—Red-eyed Vireos were seen and heard
near their nest at Seattle, June 28 (VT). A Solitary Vireo
5 or 6 days old was brought to Mrs. Schumacher, July
12. The first young Warbling Vireos were seen at
Victoria, June 12. Young out of the nest were being fed
at Bellevue, July 24. Orange-crowned Warblers were
out of the nest at Blaine the first week in June. The first
young Orange-crowns were seen at Victoria, June 12
(ARD); and they were flying at Seattle, June 17 (VEC),
where a week-old bird was brought to Mrs.
Schumacher on June 30. Nashville Warblers were
feeding young at Seattle by July 30 (VEC). Yellow
Warblers were nesting at Blaine the second week in
June. The first young were seen at Victoria, June 17;
and on Whidbey Island, they were being fed out of the
nest, June 29. Mrs. Schumacher had an Audubon's
Warbler 8 or 9 days old brought to her on May 31.
Audubon's were out of nest at Comox June 24 (HML);
on Whidbey Island, June 29, and south of Tacoma on
July 7 (VT). Young Townsend's Warblers were flying at
Snoqualmie Summit, July 13 (VEC). Black-capped
Warblers were feeding young in the nest at Blaine the
first week in June. They were seen and heard near the
nest on Whidbey Island, June 29 (VT).
Sparrows.—The first young Spotted Towhees were seen
at Seattle, May 29 (VEC). Savannah Sparrows (brooksi)
were seen with young at Comox, June 1. Eight pairs
nested in Mrs. Kline's area near Blaine; the first brood
hatched the first week in June, and another brood the
last week in July. Two Oregon Juncos, color-banded
north of Seattle in January, were paired by Feb. 10; on
territory by April 22. The female, trapped early on May
6, laid an egg in the trap; disappeared the second week
in May. The male paired with a new female, which had
an active incubation patch, June 8 (ZMS). Independent
young Oregon Juncos were seen on Whidbey Island,
June 29 (VT). Juvenal juncos were at a bird bath at
Audubon Field Notes, Volume 8, Number 5..358
Seattle, July 25 (RMB); and the second brood at
Longview were out of the nest, July 27 (ABL).
Chipping Sparrows were nesting at Camas by May 10,
and were last seen in July, when they scattered. They
were nesting at Blaine the second week in May. Many
were nesting on the S. Tacoma "prairies" the last of
May (SAS). The first independent young were seen at
Comox, June 29; and were at a bird bath in Seattle, July
8. White-crowned Sparrows nested at Camas the first
week in May, and scattered in July. At Seattle a pair was
feeding young in the nest, May 29; and had a second
nesting the first of August. Another pair began to feed
young, July 7; and brought them to the feeding station,
Blackbirds, Orioles, Tanagers.—A female Yellow-headed
Blackbird was seen at Seattle, June 8 and 9 (VEC).
The Bullock's Oriole reported at Bellevue in May was
in the area 3 months, but no nest was found (WMH).
15
Northwest Field Notes, Annotated / 1949-1960
July 27 (VEC). Other young at Seattle were at a feeding
tray, June 9 (RMB). South of Tacoma they were feeding
young out of the nest, July 6 (VT). The first brood at
Blaine was hatched the last week of July. White-crowns
hatched at Longview, June 27; were out of the nest,
July 8. The first brood of Song Sparrows was in the
nest north of Seattle, May 21, with the second brood,
Aug. 2. Juvenals were at the feeding station, July 1, and
had disappeared by the last of July (ZMS). At Camas,
Song Sparrows were nesting in early May. Young were
flying at Longview, June 30, with a second brood, Aug.
5.—MARTHA R. FLAHAUT and ZELLA M.
SCHULTZ, Washington State Museum, University of
Washington, Seattle, Wash.
End 1954
16